Xstrata delays agreement on social obligations

Documents obtained using freedom of information laws show mining giant Xstrata is yet to sign off on what economic and social benefits will go to residents near its McArthur River Mine in the Northern Territory.

Work has already begun on the mine’s expansion, which involves diverting a five-kilometre stretch of the McArthur River despite the objections of traditional owners.

But the mine’s management plan shows an agreement on social obligations is still being drafted.

The NT Government promised there would be improved outcomes for the local community when the Environment Minister gave the expansion her approval last August.

Charles Roche from the Territory’s environment centre says the agreement should have been locked down by now.

“If it’s good enough to start work on the diversion of the McArthur River then it really should be good enough to have that social benefits package worked out,” he said.

Xstrata has agreed to a $32 million community benefits fund.

 from the ABC

Freedom of Information

Government transparency is not cheap in the Northern Territory. Unfortunately the public is being denied access to key documents, such as the Mine Management Plan.  The government maintains the document is the property of Xstrata and they do not have the power to release it. A fairly pathetic excuse for a second term government with a massive majority. Makes you wonder who’s running the show, the Martin Government or Xstrata?

This story today (below) from the ABC shows the price of information. The Environment Centre Northern Territory also made an FOI request but could not afford the price of transparency, some $560. 

NT demands $600 for FOI request for McArthur River mine
The company behind the controversial McArthur River mine expansion near Boroloola is objecting to a Freedom of Information request for the document that sets out what it has agreed to.

Xstrata and the Territory Government signed off on the Mine Management Plan, which governs the conversion of the McArthur River Mine to open cut.

The move requires diverting five kilometres of the McArthur River, something that is opposed by traditional owners and environmental groups.

The Territory Government is asking for more than $600 to process the request for the document and says the fee is neither exorbitant or unreasonable.

The ABC’s application was made under the Territory’s new Freedom of Information laws which the Government has said would guarantee open and transparent decision making.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200701/s1835193.htm

mcarthur river    xstrata    northern territory